Running head: SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PLAN 1

Your name:
Margaret Anyiam

Date:
24 July 2014

Community or population of interest:
Elderly people can be regarded as one of the most vulnerable groups. These people tend to have
various health issues and they are often neglected by their relatives and even healthcare
professionals (Strasser & Fulmer, 2007, p. 341). At the same time, the population is aging and
the US society may soon face a problem of excessive number of elderly patients and inability of
healthcare and nursing units to respond to the increased demand due to lack of qualified staff
(Sinha, Shrivastava & Ramasamy, 2013, p. 41). In Anoka, Minnesota, more than 13% of
population are 65yrs or above (Anoka, 2014). Thus, more than 2,000 people will need effective
treatment in the nearest future.

Review of literature and health outcomes data:
Elderly people often face a variety of health issues including such disorder as diabetes, cancer,
mental diseases. One of health concerns is greater body fat percentage which often leads to the
development of the diseases mentioned above (Keogh, Kilding, Pidgeon, Ashley & Gillis, 2009).
Psychological disorders such as depression worsen elderly peoples quality of life and can lead to
other associated diseases and injuries (Sinha et al., 2013). Another health issue which also leads
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PLAN 2
to numerous associated problems is falls. Falls in elderly people are often a cause of morbidity
and mortality (Wagner, Scott & Silver, 2011).

Your selected health concern focus:
The third health problem (falls in elderly people) needs specific attention as it can be regarded as
a result of the disorders mentioned above (greater body weight, depression). Falls are associated
with morbidity and mortality in elderly (Summary of the updated American geriatrics
society, 2010, p. 1).
Three possible nursing interventions:
It is possible to think of the following nursing interventions:
1. In some nursing homes the focus is made on the use of hip protectors, fall alarm
devices (Summary of the updated American geriatrics society, 2010, p. 6).
2. Focus on treating the primary cause of fall (excessive weight, worsening of sight and so
on) including surgery (Summary of the updated American geriatrics society, 2010, p.
7).
3. Comprehensive training for elderly including tai chi, dancing, art, solving puzzles and so
on as exercise is seen as an effective intervention especially for long-term care
residents (Summary of the updated American geriatrics society, 2010, p. 6).

Your selected nursing intervention:
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PLAN 2
Comprehensive training of elderly is the most effective intervention as it requires minimum
(compared to other interventions) funds and leads to positive results (Summary of the updated
American geriatrics society, 2010). Hypothetically, it will be beneficial for the elderly to have
more attention from the nurses but it is hardly possible especially as regards to increasing
number of elderly people and shortage of nursing staff (Wagner et al., 2011). Treating primary
issues is also effective. It will decrease the risk but not diminish it (Summary of the updated
American geriatrics society, 2010). The goals to be met are: 1. to decrease number of falls; 2. to
improve physical and mental conditions of the elderly.
1. Launch a comprehensive assessment using effective evidence-based FRATs (fall risk
assessment tools) (Wagner et al., 2011).
2. Divide elderly into groups in accordance with the risk of fall and their health issues to
create the most comfortable environment for the elderly and prevent them from
exhaustion (Summary of the updated American geriatrics society, 2010, p. 2).
3. Start weekly training which include tai chi (for all elderly people), dancing, reading
clubs, art and grouping elderly people (those with vision impairment should be grouped
with people who do not have such issues) (Sinha et al., 2013; Wagner et al., 2011).

Brief plan for conducting nursing intervention:
Stage 1. Discussion on the nursing home of choice and training of staff (attracting volunteers
through social networks and leaflets).
Stage 2. Assessment of elderly health issues (it can be done through analysis of questionnaires
and medical cards).
Stage 3. Grouping elderly.
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PLAN 2
Stage 4. Encouraging elderly to participate in the training and taking part in the training as well.

References
Anoka (city), Minnesota. (2014). Retrieved from
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/27/2701720.html
Keogh, J.W.L., Kilding, A., Pidgeon, P., Ashley, L., & Gillis, D. (2009). Physical benefits of
dancing for healthy older adults: A review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity,
17(1), 1-23.
Sinha, S.P., Shrivastava, S.R., Ramasamy, J. (2013). Depression in an older adult rural
population in India. MEDICC Review, 15(4), 41-44.
Strasser, S.M., & Fulmer, T. (2007). The clinical presentation of elder neglect: What we know
and what we can do. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 12(6),
340-349.
Summary of the updated American geriatrics society/British geriatrics society clinical practice
guideline for prevention of falls in older persons. (2010). Journal of American
Geriatrics Society. Retrieved from
http://www.americangeriatrics.org/files/documents/health_care_pros/JAGS.Falls.Guidel
ines.pdf
Wagner, L.M., Scott, V., & Silver, M. (2011). Current approaches to fall risk assessment in
nursing homes. Geriatric Nursing, 32(4), 238-244.

SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT PLAN 2